Do you wake up in the morning with a tense jaw or a headache? Then your teeth may have worked overtime overnight. Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism, can cause problems ranging from jaw cracking to back and neck pain. A night guard can help relieve the rubbing and clenching of the teeth. But the causes of teeth grinding often lie deeper. That’s why we take a holistic approach.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is caused by a mixture of physical, psychological and external factors. Stress at work or at home, poor sleeping conditions or emotional stress can lead to people unconsciously clenching or grinding their teeth at night.
In addition, incorrect bite positions and jaw misalignments can overload the chewing muscles. Caffeine or alcohol as well as sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also intensify grinding.
Bruxism, or teeth grinding, is caused by a mixture of physical, psychological and external factors. Stress at work or at home, poor sleeping conditions or emotional stress can lead to people unconsciously clenching or grinding their teeth at night.
In addition, incorrect bite positions and jaw misalignments can overload the chewing muscles. Caffeine or alcohol as well as sleep disorders such as sleep apnea can also intensify grinding.
Protection and preservation of teeth: The splint reduces the pressure on the teeth and protects the tooth enamel from abrasion and fine cracks.
Relief of teeth, muscles and joints: The even distribution of pressure relieves the jaw joint, which also protects the chewing muscles.
Reduction of grinding and clenching: The splint reduces nighttime teeth grinding and protects the teeth.
Practicing new movement patterns: Regular use can help the body find a relaxed jaw position.
Unterbrechung unbewusster Muster: Die Schiene soll das unbewusste Knirschen und Pressen blockiert.
A night guard protects your teeth and noticeably relieves discomfort, but it does not always completely cure bruxism.
That is why we focus on holistic care and work with a large network of therapists, alternative practitioners and other specialists.
Together we will help you find a sustainable solution to teeth grinding.
Untreated teeth grinding (bruxism) can have serious consequences for your dental and general health. Here are some possible effects:
Early treatment, e.g. with a night guard, can help prevent these consequences and protect your dental and general health.
It all starts with an appointment in one of our LifeDent practices in Lucerne, Volketswil, Bülach, Winterthur or Neukirch.
In the first consultation, we take the time to discuss your symptoms and the possible causes of teeth grinding in detail. Lifestyle and stress factors often play a role, which we can examine together in peace.
If a night guard is an option for you, we will create a precise 3D scan of your jaw. On this basis, we will make a guard that fits perfectly, protects your teeth and can help reduce teeth grinding.
As soon as the splint is ready, you can try it on with us and take it home with you. For a holistic therapy against bruxism, additional measures to reduce stress and tension can be useful. If necessary, we will be happy to put you in touch with an expert from our network.
It is often the partner who notices the grinding at night. But even without this indication, there are signs: If the jaw hurts in the morning, the teeth are sensitive or you experience headaches and neck tension, this could be an indication of bruxism.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine in the evening, drink calming tea instead. A bite guard from the dentist protects the teeth. Jaw massages, warmth and relaxation exercises such as meditation or sport help to reduce stress and grinding.
The night guard immediately protects the teeth from abrasion. Whether it reduces or stops the grinding depends on the severity and additional measures such as stress reduction and relaxation.
The cost of a bite splint to treat bruxism is approximately CHF 95 – 990.
Ideally, you should clean the night guard daily, preferably in the morning after wearing it. Use a soft toothbrush and mild soap or special cleaning tablets. This will keep the guard hygienic and free of bacteria and deposits.
That depends entirely on the grinding! If the grinding is mild, the splint often lasts for several years, but if the grinding is severe, it may need to be replaced after just a few months.
A bite guard/bruxism guard should be replaced if there are visible signs of wear such as cracks or severe discoloration that can no longer be cleaned. It is also time for a new one if the guard no longer fits well or its effectiveness decreases.
Hard braces offer good protection and can correct jaw movements, while soft braces are often more comfortable. There are also custom-made braces and universal models. Your dentist can help you make the right choice for your needs!
The best way to clean the snoring splint is with a mild cleaning agent and a soft toothbrush inside and out. This cleaning should be done daily. Cleaning tablets can also be used. We will be happy to recommend some to you.
Even if you only wear the splint at night, it can still develop odors. Bacteria and plaque can build up even without eating, especially if the splint is not cleaned regularly. To avoid unpleasant odors, you should clean and dry the splint thoroughly every day.
